In Memory

Well, it's been awhile since I had a post with a little meat to it. I've even given some of my fellow bloggers a hard time about posting, and here I am ..... with nothing to share. Well, I have a story for today.

This is dear sweet Diane King. She was the first person I taught as a missionary. I first met her on August 4, 2005. It was my second day in Oregon. She loved to talk! And would share her story with all who would listen. You couldn't help but love her. For years she had turned missionaries away, even claiming to be atheist at times. Eventually Sisters were transferred to the area, and we soon won her heart.





Albany was my first stop in Oregon. Sister Noorda (Emily) had been teaching her for a couple months. I was able to come in and finish the lessons with her, and witness her baptism. She had lived quite a life, and experienced many things. From my time with Diane I had many of my own lessons. In meeting with her, and sharing my knowledge and feelings regarding the gospel my own testimony was strengthened greatly. While I was striving to bring her closer to the Savior, she in turn, was doing the same for me. I taught my first lesson; shared my testimony for the first time; said my first prayer of sincerity for her to gain a testimony; extended my first commitment, and learned to love as the Savior.



Every couple of weeks or so, we would take some time to do some service for Diane. Help do her dishes, some dusting and vacuuming. This time around, Sister Brunson (Camille) decided to take some time and wipe down her blinds. It quickly turned into a two hour project! :) Fun times. I think we ended up being late for a meeting of some kind...
Here is Dexter, Diane's loyal companion. He never left her side and was very protective of her. He LOVED chasing his white squeaky ball.













For different reasons I don't recall, Diane was missing a good portion of her teeth. In the Albany 3rd Ward, there was a very kind and generous Dentist, Dr. Berg, who provided Diane with some new teeth! He told us to let the spirit be our guide. He didn't want Diane to feel indebted to the church. He would remind us that his "hands are here to help." He was a sweet man. It was a great and exciting day :) Diane couldn't stop smiling, she could eat some of her most favorite foods again! This is a before and after shot.

I took some time tonight and browsed throughout my missionary journal. Funny stuff! It's always interesting to go back in time and see where I was and who I was at certain times. So many good times, and so many tough times. So many.... many of which shaped me into who I am today.

Today my dear friend Camille, Sister Brunson, gave me a call to let me know Diane passed away today. I haven't quite known how to feel, or what to think. I can't believe she's gone. She struggled with many medical concerns, some of which were consequences of choices, and others just bad luck of the draw. I know she is in a much better place, free from these physical pains. I don't want her passing to turn into something selfish about myself, but I couldn't help feeling immense guilt about not keeping in touch with her more, being there more for her. I've thought about her almost everyday since about Thanksgiving, which is her birthday. I never did call. I missed such an opportunity.